A Guide to Image & Video Sizes Used in Instagram

Instagram is one of the most popular apps for sharing photos and videos worldwide. It was first launched on October 6, 2010, for iOS devices, and the Android version followed in April 2012.

Since then, Instagram has added many new features. Now, users can share not only photos but also videos of different lengths.

One thing that has changed over time is the image size on Instagram. At first, users could only post images in a square format (1:1 aspect ratio) with a size of 640 pixels. This fit the screen size of early iPhone models like the iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5s, and SE.

However, over the years, Instagram increased the image sizes and introduced the option to upload videos in various formats too.

If you want to know the right image sizes for Instagram posts (photos, videos, Stories, Reels) and profile pictures, check out the guide below. First, let’s understand what image size and aspect ratio mean on Instagram.

Image Size and Aspect Ratio

There are two key things to remember when posting on Instagram: size and aspect ratio. Knowing these will help ensure that your photos or videos fit perfectly on Instagram without any parts being cropped by the system.

Image size refers to the number of pixels that make up the width and height of the photo or video. It's written as two numbers, with the first showing the width and the second showing the height.

Aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of the image. It’s usually written as something like 4:5 or 9:16, where the first number is the width and the second is the height.

On Instagram, the size for images and videos should be between 320 pixels and 1080 pixels wide. If your file is smaller or larger than that, Instagram will either enlarge it to 320 pixels or shrink it to 1080 pixels.

So, it’s always a good idea to upload high-resolution images. But don’t go overboard with super high-resolution files because Instagram will compress them, which can reduce the quality.

Also, make sure your images and videos match Instagram's aspect ratios. If not, Instagram will resize them to fit, which can affect the quality.

Instagram Image Size

Here are the recommended image sizes for your posts and profile photos on Instagram. By following these guidelines, you can keep the quality of your images and videos high while avoiding any unwanted cropping by the system.

1. Profile Picture Size

Before sharing photos or videos on Instagram, you’ll need to set a profile picture. This helps make your account look active and real (instead of fake). For easy recognition, it's a good idea to use the same profile picture across all your social media accounts.

The ideal size for a profile picture on Instagram is 110 x 110 pixels, with a maximum resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. You can upload a high-resolution image (like 1080 x 1080 pixels), but Instagram will automatically reduce it to 320 x 320 pixels.

2. Image Size on Instagram

Posting photos is one of the most popular activities on Instagram. Originally, Instagram only allowed images of 640 x 640 pixels in a square format (1:1 aspect ratio). However, in 2015, the photo size was increased to 1080 x 1080 pixels.

Now, you can post both horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) photos. Here are the recommended sizes:

• Square photos: 1:1 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels.
• Horizontal (landscape) photos: Aspect ratio of 1.91:1 (up to 16:9) with a recommended resolution of 1080 x 566 pixels.
• Vertical (portrait) photos: 4:5 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 1350 pixels.

As long as your photo is between 320 and 1080 pixels wide and has an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 4:5, Instagram won’t crop it.

If you upload a photo with a width below 320 pixels, Instagram will increase it to 320 pixels. If it's wider than 1080 pixels, Instagram will shrink it to 1080 pixels.

Video Size on Instagram

You can post videos on your Instagram Feed, Reels, or Stories. Here are the best video sizes to use:

• Square videos: 1:1 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels.
• Horizontal (landscape) videos: Aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 16:9 with a resolution of 1080 x 607 pixels.
• Instagram Stories: 9:16 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
• Reels: 9:16 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
• Instagram Live: 9:16 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.

That’s a quick guide on Instagram image and video sizes. If you're an active Instagram user (especially for positive things!), it’s good to know these tips to keep your posts looking sharp and avoid any automatic cropping.

Since Instagram doesn’t come with professional editing tools, you might need to edit your photos and videos using special apps on your PC or phone. Click here to discover the best video editing tools for your PC and laptop.